If you are a writer or a reader looking for a good time, why not consider going to a book launch or reading. Vancouver is a great city for this and almost every night there is a launch, a reading, a poetry slam or something free and literary to do. Last night, a friend and I drove to the other side of the water (that would be North Vancouver) and more precisely Edgemont Village to 32 Books, an amazing Indie bookstore, to see Amanda Hale launch her latest novel, In the Embrace of the Alligator.

Amanda read a chapter from her book, and I listened with my eyes closed so I could fully experience and enjoy being transported, through her lyrical words to the real Cuba, where everything isn’t all rosy, but the people are steadfast and colourful. Anyone who has looked at map or flown over Cuba, will recognize the unique alligator like shape of this county, that inspired the book’s title.

While there, I met Cathie Borrie who was recently interviewed on North by Northwest (CBC Radio One). I listened to that interview and put her non-fiction book about dealing with a mum with Alzheimer’s on my reading list, so what a joy to meet her in person. Her books, The Long Hello, (oh how I love that title) and it’s companion, Looking into your voice guarantee an intimate look into the world of this debilitating and all too common disease. And they are beautifully written. I plan to offer one of my copies to a friend who is struggling to deal with the pain of her mother’s descent into this frightening, sometimes funny, sometimes heartbreaking, sometimes insightful place.

So, all in all, a great evening. And there is more to come! On Monday May 9th, Bernhard Sehlink, author of The Reader will be presenting at the VPL, courtesy of the Vancouver Writers Festival, incite program – free!!

A great review makes for a great day! My publisher, Second Story Press, forwarded me this strong review from Resource Links, (Connecting Classrooms, libraries and Canadian Learning Resources). BURTINSHAW, Julie Saying Good-bye to London Second Story Press, 2017. 262p. Gr. … Continue reading →

I’ve been working with Amos Ojwang on an anthology of short stories written by students who participated in the University of Iowa’s online course, Writing Identities and Social Issues in Fiction and Nonfiction. After months of reading then choosing stories … Continue reading →

CALL FOR POETRY SUBMISSIONS FOR THE ANTHOLOGY Anthology of Poems out of America and Beyond Boarders Edited by Amos O. Ojwang’ and Julie Burtinshaw SUBMISSIONS GUIDELINES Submissions should be done through Email as an attachment. Submissions, editing and … Continue reading →

I am really pleased with this review from Booklist for my latest book Saying Goodbye to London (Second Story Press) Shy Francis is so stunned when Sawyer asks him to dance that he can’t not accept. “I think we’re going … Continue reading →

I’m thrilled to share the first review on the Advance Copy of my new book Saying Goodbye to London. (Second Story Press) My fellow writers will know the work involved in seeing a new book coming to life! I’m beaming all over … Continue reading →

I enjoyed Assignment 5 – basically I took assignment number 1 and fragmented it. Lots of fun experimentation. Between the offer of a cup of tea and her departure there exists a lifetime of untold stories. You don’t want to … Continue reading →

Assignment 1: University of Iowa Free Online Course How Writers Write I offer her a cup of tea, because this is what her type expects. Of course, she refuses in the way that people do when they want something. There … Continue reading →

I’ve recently signed up for a writing course from the University of Iowa. If your interested it’s free, or at the most $50 USD if you want a certificate at the end of the course. Students come from all over … Continue reading →

It’s hard to believe but my residency at Stiwido Maelor, in Corris, Wales is coming to a close. It’s been a very successful, inspiring and wonderful three weeks. During that time, I’ve managed to edit and submit the almost final … Continue reading →

One of the greatest gifts a writer can have is being invited to spend time in a Residency. Last year, I applied and was accepted to an International Writers’ Residency in Wales. The process of applying seems so long ago, … Continue reading →